Pineapple Refrigerator Dessert Recipe

A delicious treat for the whole family - each forkful calls for another. And don't overlook the apricot and banana variations.

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 crackers)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 egg

1 cup chilled whipping cream or

1 envelope (about 2 oz.)

dessert topping mix

1 can (1 pound 4 1/2 oz.) crushed pineapple,

well drained Sweetened whipped cream

Maraschino cherries

Mix thoroughly graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar and melted butter. Press half the crumbs mixture evenly in bottom of square pan, 8x8x2 inches.

In small mixer bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter, the confectioners' sugar and egg until mixture is light and fluffy. Spread carefully and evenly over crumbs in pan.

In chilled bowl, beat cream until stiff. (If using dessert topping mix, prepare as directed on package). Fold in crushed pineapple. Spread over butter mixture. Sprinkle with remaining graham cracker crumbs. Cover; chill at least 12 hours. Cut into square; serve with with whipped cream and maraschino cherries.

 Serves 9.

Variations

* Apricot Refrigerator Dessert: Omit pineapple. Slimmer 1 cup cut-up dried apricots (4 oz.) and 1 cup water, stirring occasionally, about 20 minute or till apricots are tender and water is absorbed. Chop apricots until mushy; mix in 1/4 cup sugar. Cool. Spread apricot mixture over butter mixture in pan. In chilled bowl, beat cream until stiff; spread on apricot.

* Banana Refrigerator Dessert: Omit pineapple and spread on butter layer a mixture of 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts, 1 banana, mashed, and 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, quartered and drained. In chilled bowl, beat cream until stiff; spread on fruit-nut layer.